Crime
Video shows moments Dejuane Hayden shot and killed by Jacksonville police officer Bradley Griffitts
This marks the second officer-involved shooting for Griffitts.
Jacksonville, Florida – A 30-year-old man, identified as Dejuane Aki Hayden, was fatally shot by a Jacksonville sheriff’s officer on Thursday.
The incident occurred around 4 PM in the 2900 block of Justina Road.
According to Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters, officers were conducting surveillance in the area when they observed three men, including Hayden, engaging in suspicious behavior involving firearms and potential drug transactions.
As officers approached the three men, two of them complied with their commands.
However, Hayden fled on foot while carrying a pistol. An officer pursued him, repeatedly warning him to drop the weapon.
The officer fired four shots at Hayden, striking him once. Hayden fell to the ground but then stood up and continued to flee, jumping over a wall.
Officers apprehended Hayden and provided medical aid due to his injuries.
He was transported to a hospital but later succumbed to his wounds.
Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office recovered a firearm from the suspect who was killed and another firearm from one of the other suspects.
The third suspect was found to be carrying an airsoft gun.
This is the fifth officer-involved shooting in Jacksonville this year.
The officer involved in the shooting has been identified as Bradley Griffitts. This marks the second officer-involved shooting for Griffitts.
Crime
Security guard Yahaira Melendez charged with murder after shooting inside IHOP restaurant in Center City Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA, PA — A security guard has been arrested and charged with murder following a fatal shooting at a Center City IHOP over the weekend that left a 43-year-old man dead.
The incident occurred shortly after 11 p.m. on Saturday at the IHOP located in the 1300 block of Walnut Street, according to the Philadelphia Police Department.
When officers arrived, they discovered a man suffering from a gunshot wound to the head. The victim, who police say was unhoused, was transported to Jefferson Hospital, where he was later pronounced deceased.
Investigators report that the victim had been causing a disturbance inside the restaurant prior to the shooting. As security personnel escorted him outside, he allegedly turned and spat on one of the guards.
That guard, identified as 38-year-old Yahaira Melendez, allegedly responded by drawing her firearm and shooting the victim once in the head.
Police say preliminary findings indicate the victim was not armed at the time of the incident.
Melendez, a mother of three, was taken into custody and has been charged with murder and related offenses.
In a statement Melendez’s family expressed shock and disbelief over the situation, writing in part:
“We are shocked and devastated by the tragic events that occurred at the IHOP while she was working security. We know she would never harm anyone unless she felt she had no other choice to protect herself or others.”
The shooting has left nearby workers and residents shaken.
“Escalation — where was the escalation?” asked Karr Anderson, who works next door to the restaurant. “Security guards need to know how to withhold, how to show restraint.”
Philadelphia Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the shooting, including whether proper security protocols were followed and what led to the use of deadly force.
Authorities have not yet released the identity of the deceased pending family notification.